An officer from the Lleida Local Police, who is also a psychologist and doctoral candidate, has highlighted the persistent stigmatization of mental health within law enforcement. From his experience, he notes that disorders such as generalized anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common due to repeated exposure to serious situations and high-risk incidents.
In addition to risky interventions, officers' emotional well-being is compromised by factors such as night shifts, rotating schedules, work overload, and high public demands. Leadership styles in team management also play a role, adding pressure to an already demanding profession. The lack of work-life balance, stemming from a job that operates 24 hours a day, also contributes to physical and emotional exhaustion.
“"The mindset must change because talking about one's emotional state needs to be normal. We must be able to openly express if we are not feeling well, if we have insomnia, or if an intervention has affected us, without fear of being singled out or undervalued."
The expert points out that the stigma is largely due to an outdated conception of masculinity, especially among middle-aged generations. This mindset makes it difficult for officers to openly express their emotional difficulties, fearing judgment or devaluation. The idea of the "police officer who can handle anything" is a barrier that needs to be broken to foster a more open and supportive environment.
Vocation, while an intrinsic motivation, is not enough to cope with these psychological difficulties. External factors such as bureaucracy, work overload, and lack of mobility can affect it over time. Currently, there are 24-hour psychological support services for regional and local police, managed by Salut Laboral de la Generalitat and the Dirección General de Coordinación de Policías Locales, respectively. Although steps are being taken in the right direction, the expert remains optimistic about the future of the collective.
